Latest news in Georgia, Armenia, Azerbaijan, summary. Live

● Interrogations of opposition figures continue in the case of Ramiz Mehdiyev — the once-powerful former chief of staff to Azerbaijan’s president, long viewed as the “grey cardinal” of Azerbaijani politics, now accused of attempting to seize power. The State Security Service (SSS) interrogated Ali Karimli, chairman of the Azerbaijan Popular Front Party (APFP), and his adviser Mammad Ibrahim as suspects (pictured). The SSS reported that searches of their homes uncovered materials allegedly linking them to the case, including an early, unpublished draft of a letter written by Mehdiyev and other documents.

Shortly after, Jamil Hasanli — chair of the National Council of Democratic Forces and a former MP — was summoned for questioning. For now, he is listed as a witness and was released after giving testimony. Earlier, Hasanli wrote on social media that he had planned to fly to Dubai with his wife “for a family event related to their daughter,” but learned at the airport that he was banned from leaving the country.

According to local media, Gultekin Hajibeyli — also a member of the National Council — has been detained in Turkey in connection with the case. She is reportedly being held at a migration center in Istanbul and will be deported to Azerbaijan. Media previously reported that Hajibeyli had fled Azerbaijan. More on the Mehdiyev case is available here.

● Journalists arrested in the “Meydan TV case” say they were physically assaulted by Jamil Huseynov, described as the head of the convoy service of the Baku Court of Appeal. Journalists Aytaj Tapdig (Ahmadova) and Aysel Umudova made the allegations. There has been no official response.

Arrests in the “Meydan TV case” began in December 2024. Eleven people in total have been detained. They were initially charged with conspiracy to commit smuggling, but the charges were toughened in August this year. The journalists strongly deny wrongdoing and say the prosecutions are retaliation for government criticism.

● The first consular consultations between the foreign ministries of Azerbaijan and Poland have taken place. The sides discussed prospects for new bilateral agreements and possibilities for digitalizing consular services.

● Armenia and Turkey discussed the restoration and reopening of the Gyumri–Kars railway, during meetings between their special envoys for normalization. The talks were held at the Akhurik–Akyaka border checkpoint and in the city of Gyumri. Armenia’s foreign ministry said this was the second stage of technical discussions.

In September, Turkey’s special envoy Serdar Kılıç visited Armenia and met with Foreign Minister Ararat Mirzoyan. At the “Margara” border checkpoint, he was received by Armenia’s envoy for normalization Ruben Rubinyan.

● Lachin in Karabakh hosted the closing ceremony of this year’s CIS cultural capital program, marking the end of its status as the Commonwealth’s cultural capital.

● Customs officials prevented the illegal import of nearly 11 kg of gold. At Baku airport, officers found undeclared gold bars weighing 10,883.82 grams — valued at more than 2 million manats (around $1.3 million) — in the luggage of an Azerbaijani citizen arriving from Istanbul. A 0.6-gram (3-carat) diamond was also discovered. Authorities say the items were first taken from Dubai to Istanbul by one individual, then transported to Baku by another. An investigation has been opened.

● Prosecutors have charged prominent opposition politician Aleko Elisashvili with attempting to carry out a terrorist attack at the Tbilisi City Court. Elisashvili, one of the leaders of the “Lelo – Strong Georgia” alliance, was arrested on 29 November. According to the Interior Ministry, he broke into the court’s administrative building, poured gasoline inside the premises, and attempted to set it on fire but was stopped in time. Both Elisashvili and a court security officer were injured during the scuffle. The ministry also said he was carrying a handgun, releasing CCTV footage as evidence. His lawyer told reporters that Elisashvili admits attempting to start a fire but insists it was an act of protest against an unfair judiciary and rejects the terrorism charge. More details here.

● The Azerbaijani pro-government outlet Caliber published a sharply critical article about Georgia, accusing Georgian border guards and officials of mistreating Azerbaijani truck drivers crossing the border. Drivers reported long, unjustified delays and abusive behavior. Several said officials mockingly told them to “wait until the Zangezur Corridor opens” — referring to the planned transit route connecting Azerbaijan with Nakhchivan via Armenia, also known as the “Trump Route,” intended as part of the Middle Corridor. The article suggests Georgia’s alleged shift in attitude may be influenced by its “northern neighbor” (apparently Russia) or by “those representing Armenia’s interests” in the Georgian government.

● Ukraine’s military intelligence claimed it had detected a Russian military communications terminal on Georgian territory. Georgia’s State Security Service dismissed the claim as false and said it had received no official communication on the matter from Ukraine’s Foreign Ministry.

● One person was killed and two were wounded in a shooting on Gamsakhurdia Street in Kutaisi. According to reports, an unidentified assailant entered the courtyard of a building, opened fire, and then fled the scene.

● Opposition activists have filed a lawsuit with Georgia’s Constitutional Court, arguing that fines and arrests for blocking roads and wearing masks — including medical masks — violate constitutional rights, including human dignity and freedom of assembly. Under the new laws, these actions are punishable by fines of up to 5,000 lari (about $1,800) and/or up to five days of administrative arrest. The lawsuit also argues that the legal terms “artificial road blockage” and “concealing one’s face” are vague and allow the authorities to interpret them too broadly.

● A group of activists ended their hunger strike outside the parliament building after a request from Archimandrite Dorote Kurasvhili. Their main demands include releasing political prisoners and holding new, fair parliamentary elections.

● Georgia’s National Environment Agency reported a significant increase in airborne particulate matter, attributed to desert dust spreading over the region. Air-quality monitoring continues through 18 automatic stations, and conditions are expected to improve soon.

Top stories in Azerbaijan, Armenia, and Georgia from 17-21 November, 2025